Advanced Computer Modelling

At OGI, we take pride in our strong modelling expertise. Our team consistently transforms highly complex data into clear, actionable insights and delivers robust, reliable outcomes for clients.

We use a combination of in-house and commercial computer modelling software to analyse and simulate a wide range of groundwater, surface water and geotechnical challenges encountered throughout the construction industry.

Our modelling services can be delivered as part of a wider design solution — such as the design of groundwater control systems — or as a standalone service where specialist consultancy is required.

Software we use at OGI

In-House Software

CVM, WISPP, GRAFTER, GEMOS

Commercial Software

PLAXIS 3D, GeoStudio, Unity, Causeway Flow

OGI In-House Software

CVM

CVM is a Cartesian and radial finite element groundwater flow model used to simulate groundwater flow in confined, unconfined and leaky aquifers. It is utilised to support both steady-state and transient conditions, enabling robust analysis of a wide range of groundwater flow scenarios.

WISPP

WISPP (Wave Induced Stresses and Pore Pressures) is a hybrid finite element analytical model. It is used to simulate time and spatially dependent stresses, pore pressures and soil displacements in a seabed when subject to sinusoidal wave loading.

GRAFTER

GRAFTER (GRoundwater Analysis of Flow and Transport of Energy and Radionuclides) is a 2D Cartesian and radial finite element model. It simulates groundwater flow in confined, unconfined and leaky aquifers, alongside transport of contaminants, heat, grout and radioactive particles.

GEMOS

GEMOS (Groundwater Engineering and Management Optimisation Software) is a semi-analytical model for simulating multiple abstraction wells pumping simultaneously from confined, unconfined or mixed aquifers, with the option of constant or variable permeability as a function of depth.

Commercial Software

PLAXIS 3D

Geotechnical finite element analysis software to model, simulate, analyse, and deploy staged construction in geotechnical projects. This includes fully decoupled 3D groundwater flow modelling, allowing complex excavations and dewatering solutions to be modeled.

GEOSTUDIO

GeoStudio 2D is an integrated software suite for modelling slope stability (SLOPE/W), groundwater flow (SEEP/W), ground deformation (SIGMA/W), and more in soil and rock.

UNITY

Unity is a leading 3D game engine. It's versatility enables developers to create visualisations for various industries, such as entertainment, automotive and architecture. Its robust features include a powerful rendering engine, physics simulation, and animation tools.

CAUSEWAY FLOW

Causeway Live Design and Flow form a software suite that models and optimizes surface water flow and drainage systems to support efficient site design and flood risk management.

Our Computer Modelling Services

Multi-Well Analysis

OGI use in-house software (GEMOS) to simulate the performance of multi-well groundwater control systems.

The software is based upon the well flow equations, and uses superposition to calculate groundwater head across a 2D plan view coordinate space.

OGI use GEMOS to estimate well flow rates, the required head in the wells to reach the target groundwater level below an excavation, and the required wetted length in the well to ensure the performance of the system.

Aquifer Pump Test Analysis

OGI can analyse aquifer pumping tests using OGI’s in-house radial finite element model CVM10-PRO. Aquifer pumping tests are used to establish the in-situ hydro-geological properties of the ground such as permeability and storage coefficient. These parameters are then utilised in the efficient design of groundwater control systems.

CVM can be used to simulate a transient groundwater response, which can be used to simulate the drawdown at an observation well during a pump test. It can also simulate drawdown vs. distance for transient and steady state conditions.

CVM10-LITE, a free to use version of the software, can be downloaded from the OGI website.

Groundwater Flow Analysis

OGI can undertake 2D cartesian or radial groundwater flow analysis using commercial finite element software such as Geostudio SEEP/W or PLAXIS 2D PlaxFlow.

OGI can solve a number of common groundwater engineering problems such as:

Assess the feasibility of groundwater cutoff walls by simulating the total groundwater flow into the excavation.
Sensitivity analysis of soil permeabilities to assess a range of possible groundwater flow rates during dewatering.
Simulate groundwater table drawdown at nearby sensitive structures so ground settlements can be assessed.
Regional groundwater flow modelling

Contaminant Transport Analysis

OGI can undertake 2D cartesian or radial contaminant transport analysis using OGI in-house software SEFTRANS2D.

OGI can solve a number of contaminant transport problems such as:

Migration of a contaminant plume in a regional groundwater flow field.
Simulation of contaminated ground remediation using multiple remediation cleaning wells.
Simulation of restricting contaminated groundwater movement by utilising a groundwater recirculation system consisting of recharge wells.

Surface Water Run-off Modelling and Visualisation

OGI can simulate surface water runoff over construction sites or larger topographic catchments to support the design of drainage systems.

Slope Stability Analysis

OGI can undertakes slope stability analysis using the geotechnical finite element software tools PLAXIS 2D and 3D. The analysis is based on the design criteria set out in Eurocode EC7.

By combining our knowledge of groundwater control with slope stability analysis, we can achieve considerable cost savings for the client by eliminating the requirement for large scale sheet piling or other retaining wall structures.

OGI commonly undertake slope stability analysis for road and rail embankments and battered excavations. It can be offered as a standalone service, or a part of OGI STABLE-EARTH^TMdesign service for weak saturated slopes.

3D Groundwater Flow Modelling

OGI can simulate challenging 3D groundwater flow problems where a traditional 2D groundwater flow model would not be suitable. For this OGI use finite element software PLAXIS 3D PlaxFlow.

Simulation of cofferdams located at water body interfaces, such as on rivers, ports and the sea, where geology and geometry are highly variable.
Simulation of tunnelling projects, particularly when tunnelling intersects existing services and structures in the ground.
Simulation of groundwater flow around and beneath basement structures, and the effect of constructing underground structures on the regional flow field and groundwater table.

3D Soil Deformation Analysis

OGI can simulate challenging 3D soil deformation problems where a traditional 2D geotechnical model would not be suitable. For this OGI use geotechnical finite element software PLAXIS 3D.

Examples of ground engineering problems OGI solve using 3D models:

Slope Stability analysis of embankments, including structures such as piles. Estimate factor of safety for slope stability and maximum pile deflection.
Simulation of tunnelling projects in soft soils. Simulation of uplift forces due to buoyancy, and the resulting tunnel displacement.
Simulation of uplift forces on basements and resulting deformations due to groundwater pressures.